Energy Saving Tips - Laundry

Wash in cold water

Heating water accounts for more than 10 percent of an average home’s total energy use and up to 80 percent of the energy used while washing clothes. Many people believe that the hotter the water, the cleaner the clothes. Many clothes, however, do just as well being washed in cold water as in hot – especially when using a detergent made for cold water.

Scale back on the clothes dryer

Conserve energy by taking advantage of the clothesline – air dry clothes whenever possible. When using the dryer, set the moisture sensor option to automatically shut off the dryer when the clothes are dry. If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture, thus starting the drying process before you put your clothes in the dryer.

Stockpile laundry

Whenever possible, wash only full loads – but don’t overload the washer. Dry clothes in consecutive loads so the drum doesn’t have time to cool down. LPEA offers rebates for purchase of new energy efficient Energy Star washers and clothes dryers.